Jim Cramer, host of CNBC’s *Mad Money* and a former hedge fund manager, has long been a prominent figure in financial media, often sparking debates with his stock recommendations. While some of his calls have drawn criticism, several of his past picks, including Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), have delivered strong long-term performance. Recently, Cramer spotlighted three stocks he believes could achieve notable growth in 2025: CrowdStrike, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD (NASDAQ:AMD)), and BlackRock. These selections span across cybersecurity, semiconductors, and investment management, offering diverse opportunities for investors.
What makes CrowdStrike a contender?
CrowdStrike, a leader in the cybersecurity industry, has faced challenges over the past year, including a global outage that affected key sectors. Despite this, the company has rebounded, showing resilience and strong customer retention. The company’s revenue grew 29% year-over-year in its latest quarter, driven by a 31% increase in subscription revenues. The firm has also set an ambitious target of $10 billion in annual recurring revenue by fiscal year 2031. Analysts suggest this is achievable due to its consistent platform adoption and market positioning.
Can AMD gain more traction in the AI sector?
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has strengthened its foothold in the semiconductor market, particularly in the AI chip segment. The company’s AI-related revenue exceeded $1.5 billion last year, supported by a 122% surge in its data center business. While geopolitical risks and supply chain disruptions remain challenges, AMD’s strategic pricing and innovative chip design enable it to compete effectively with Nvidia. The company’s AI accelerator business and its growing data center revenues suggest potential for sustained growth in the coming years.
Cramer also identified BlackRock as a strong contender for investors seeking exposure to financial services and institutional investments. BlackRock’s assets under management reached $11.5 trillion, driven by robust net inflows of $500 billion in a single quarter. Revenue climbed 15% last year, bolstered by its ETF division and strategic acquisitions, such as its $12 billion all-stock acquisition of HPS Investment Partners. These developments have helped the firm maintain a leading position in global investment management.
Historically, Cramer has faced criticism for some of his more aggressive stock picks, leading to the creation of an inverse ETF that aimed to profit from opposing his recommendations. However, many of his bullish calls on tech and financial stocks have proven successful over time, with companies like Nvidia delivering substantial long-term gains. His track record reflects a focus on identifying growth opportunities in sectors with strong market fundamentals.
Investors considering these stocks should weigh the broader market trends, including the rapid expansion of AI, cybersecurity adoption, and global financial markets. CrowdStrike’s robust subscription model, AMD’s progress in AI chip production, and BlackRock’s strategic acquisitions all position these firms as potential leaders in their respective fields. However, market volatility and competition remain important factors to monitor.